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Islands of the South Pacific

A Passage to the Solomons (Honiara to Port Vila), 11 Nights

Overview

Itinerary

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This voyage uncovers the pristine wildlife and remote coral atolls and beaches of the idyllic Melanesia region. The expedition will also commemorate the 75th Anniversary of WWII with time to explore the wrecks and remnants of the war in the Pacific theatre, and expert guides on hand to discuss the various battle sites, historical significance, and strategies. Travelling aboard the Coral Discoverer, depart from Honiara, Solomon Islands and journey to key stops in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

This voyage can be combined with the 11-night voyage from Cairns to Honiara for a fully immersive 22 night trip.

Highlights of the expeditions include:

• Snorkel and dive in vivid coral gardens and relax on sandy tropical beaches at Nendo, Nguna, and Onemaruha
• Snorkel, dive, or simply visit historic WW2 wrecks and significant sites such as the sunken SS President Coolidge at Million Dollar Point
• Snorkel and kayak the marine reserves of spectacular Marau Sound and the Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area
• Hear traditional pan-pipe performances at Malaita, along with basket weaving demonstrations and kastom performances.
• Get up close to active volcanoes at Nguna Island and Tanna Island

Related Information

the itinerary

Embarkation: Board at Honiara at 4:00pm for 5:00pm departure.Disembarkation: Arrive and disembark in Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu, at 08:00am.

Day 1: Honiara

Before embarking the Coral Discoverer, enjoy the optional extra of a Battlefields tour to key sites from the 1942 Guadalcanal campaign. Visit sites such as Edson’s Bloody Ridge, the US War Memorial at Skyline Ridge, or the Japanese Peace Park Memorial at Mt Austin.
Board the Coral Discoverer at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure.

Day 2: Tulagi Island and Mboli Passage

Tulagi Island is home to significant World War II history, with fighting occurring here as a prelude to the Battle of the Coral Sea. The original capital of the Solomon Islands, Tulagi was severely damaged in WWII.

There is excellent scuba diving here, over wrecks of U.S. Navy ships. Sightings of large manta rays are also possible.

We cruise through the scenic Mboli passage, where there is beautiful lush rainforest covering the hills and small villages under the palm trees. The passage itself contains much ship wreckage.

Day 3: Langa Langa Lagoon

Today, we visit the saltwater people of Langa Langa Lagoon. Living on small artificial islands built from sand bars, the residents here are known for the shell money making, ‘shark worship’ beliefs, and ship-building skills. Be immersed into the islander’s way of life; witness a warrior welcome, traditional food preparation, fire-making, face tattooing, shell money making, dancing, and panpipe performances. The lagoon also provides opportunities for swimming and snorkelling.

Day 4: Tarapaina & Maramasike Passage

This beautiful passage between Big Malaita and Small Malaita Islands has its own unique environment. Legends surround the creation of this passage, and the reefs close by are home to the romo (shells) from which money is made. We may enjoy panpipe and kastom performances, and basket weaving demonstrations in the village, as well as snorkelling at Onemaruha and an Xplorer cruise through the Maramasike Passage.

Day 5: Marau Sound

Located in the eastern tip of Gaudalcanal, this geographical crossroad seperates Gaudalcanal’s calm northern waters from the Tasi Mauri or ‘weather coast’. Five protected marine reserves have been established in Marau Sound, and we will have opportunities for snorkelling in the exquisite turquoise waters. Enjoy a visit to a village on Marapa Island or visit Conflict Bay.

Day 6: Star Harbour, San Cristobal

The locals of Na Mugha, Star Harbour, welcome us ashore this morning. Enjoy a colourful cultural performance before exploring the village. Meet the children at the local school and learn about the harbour’s WWII history as a US Army base. Enjoy a scenic zodiac ride through the surrounding mangrove-lined creeks or hike around the edge of the scenic harbour.

Day 7: Nendo Island

Nendo is the largest of the Santa Cruz group of islands, where Alvaro de Mendana unsuccessfully tried to start a colony in 1595. Our last stop in the Solomon Islands, Nendo is known for its particularly fine artifacts and this is a good opportunity to purchase from the local makers. At Luowa Village, enjoy a cultural performance and snorkel from the white sandy beach.

Day 8: Ureparapara, Vanuatu

We enter Vanuatu at the remarkable Ureparapara, a extinct stratovolcano rising 764 metres from the ocean floor. Cruise into the cone of the extinct volcano, surrounded on three sides of 300 metre cliffs. This spectacular island can only be experienced by sea. Enjoy a warm welcome from the villages and the opportunity to witness the local women perform the ‘water music’ in the sea.

Day 9: Million Dollar Point

Today, we visit Million Dollar Point, where the US Navy’s millions of dollars worth of war equipment was scuttled. The wreckage has turned to reef, and nearby is the wreck of the troopship SS President Coolidge.

Enjoy a day of swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing.

Day 10: Nguna Island

Relax on the white sand beaches of Nguna Island, and explore the stunning coral gardens that are perfect for snorkelling or diving.

The two volcanic craters on Nguna, Mount Tapuora and Mount Marow, which provide a wonderful opportunity for a volcano walk.

Day 11: Tanna Island

Tanna Island is home to the active volcano Mount Yasur, and the volcanic soil here is very fertile, supportung crops of kava, coffee, coconut, copra and other fruits and vegetables.

Here we learn about the unique Tannese culture and the John Frum Cargo Cult. We visit the local villages at Sulphur Bay and then drive through the forest and up the slopes of Tanna. A short walk brings you to the smoking crater – a rare opportunity to gaze into a live volcano.

Day 12: Port Vila

This morning, we arrive in Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

Accommodation in selected room grade for the number of nights as listed in each itinerary

All meals

House beer and wine during lunch and dinner service

24 hour tea and coffee

Captain’s welcome and farewell drinks

Access to islands, marine and national parks

Touring as described in each itinerary

Services of expedition staff and lecturers including briefings and knowledge-sharing sessions

Port taxes and government charges imposed by government authorities

Your cruise price does not include:

Pre and post flights, transfers and hotels

Entry visas/travel permits

Travel Insurance

Items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone and internet communications and bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted), laundry charges and souvenir purchases

Tipping not required:

Other cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your account and service charges to your bar invoices. On Coral Discoverer, our crew has no other agenda than your delight.

Now that you’ve chosen your cruise, our reservations specialists are on hand to assist with your booking arrangements to ensure your holiday runs as smoothly as possible.

To speak to our reservations specialists contact us during business hours on freecall 1800 079 545 (within Australia), or by email cruise@coralexpeditions.com.

Don’t forget, we strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance with any cruise purchase. See below for further details.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Comprehensive Travel Insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers as protection against any unforeseen events that may necessitate the cancellation or interruption of your holiday and should be purchased at the same time as you purchase your cruise. It should also include emergency evacuation and repatriation cover.

SureSave is an Australian company who specialise in travel insurance designed for travellers. SureSave provides world assistance through a customer support team, a claims team and an in-house 24/7 Emergency Assistance division. Underwritten by Lloyds of London, you get peace of mind knowing your security is guaranteed.

Please note: SureSave Travel Insurance policies may only be purchased by Australian residents. For international travellers, please discuss your policy requirements with your local insurance provider.